President Buhari has rejected calls from an elder statesman, Robert Clarke, to elongate his tenure by six months so he can tackle insecurity and then coordinate a peaceful election.

Clarke while speaking on a national television program on Monday, May 9, said with the current state of security in the country, it would be difficult for a credible election to take place.

He argued that President Buhari has the constitutional power to extend his tenure by six months so he can address insecurity and organize a credible election.

However, in a statement released by his media aide, Garba Shehu, President Buhari said the current administration would honour the constitution and people’s right to decide.

The statement reads in part;“In response to the Senior Advocate of Nigeria’s recent remarks, the Presidency wishes to state as follows:

Chief Robert Clarke, a very well-respected elder may be sincere in his wish for the President to extend his term by six months.

We wish to categorically restate that the President will step down on May 29th, 2023, after serving two terms – as per the constitution.

”Having been the first recipient of a democratic transfer of power from an incumbent administration to an opposition candidate in Nigerian history, the President is committed to extending and entrenching democratic values across the country.

He shall, in turn, hand the privilege of serving the people of Nigeria to whomever they choose through free, fair and credible elections.

However, Chief Clarke is right to say that without security, Nigeria would not likely realize its true potential as a peaceful and prosperous nation.

That is why it has been at the core of this administration.

The results are there for all to see.

Boko Haram have been forced back from controlling whole swathes of this country.

Internally Displaced Persons are now returning to rebuild their communities.

These achievements have been accomplished through the bravery and determination of the Nigerian armed forces and the fortitude of the people of our nation.”